BRIDGEPORT -- The guest who shot and killed the host of a Christmas party last year is facing 35 years in prison.

Israel Gonzalez fatally shot Noel Cosme in the head after mistakenly thinking Cosume had stolen his wallet. Police later found the wallet on a shelf where Gonzalez had forgotten he put it for safe keeping.

On Wednesday, Gonzalez, 26, pleaded guilty before state Superior Court Judge Robert Devlin to first-degree manslaughter with a firearm. He could serve up to 35 years in prison after he is sentenced next month.

"It was a senseless killing -- but this is what happens when you mix alcohol and guns," said Senior Assistant State's Attorney Joseph Harry. "Once you pull the trigger, there is no further discussion."

Gonzalez's family and friends declined comment.

On Christmas Day 2011, police found Cosme, 29, lying in his own blood on the kitchen floor of his residence on Laurel Avenue. Police said the previous evening Cosme and his brother had hosted a Christmas party in their home. After police arrived, they began questioning the victim's brother and Gonzalez, who was standing on the front porch.

Police said Gonzalez initially denied knowing anything about the shooting, claiming he had been at a club in Port Chester at the time. However, during the interview, detectives said they noticed blood spatter on Gonzalez's right shoe.

When they confronted him again, police said Gonzalez began to cry and confessed to killing Cosme. He said when he could not find his wallet at the party, he accused Cosme of taking it. Gonzalez told police he went to his car for a handgun after Cosme denied he had the wallet. Gonzalez said he had purchased the weapon on the street two weeks prior.

He then returned and shot Cosme, police said.

When detectives found the wallet in the apartment, Gonzalez broke down in tears, police said.